S&A +G&F RR.

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Seek information on Savannah & Atlanta (Formerly Brinson Railroad)and Georgia & Flordia RR. Also would like any information on Waynesboro Railroad connection Augusta to Waynesboro and later to Millen, Ga.

Thanks Tom Reynolds P.0. Box 227 Waynesboro, Ga. 30830

-- Tom Reynolds (Tlazear@email.MSN.com), August 30, 1999

Answers

Subject : S&A & G&F RR

My grandmother was the dispatcher for the S&A and G&F railroads in the 1930's and 1940's and lived in a small depot building in Torbit, GA where the two railroad lines crossed. Her name was Mrs. F.D. Moseley. I used to spend my summers with her there living in this depot building with no running water or electricity. All communications were handled by railroad morse, which I learned from her at the age of 8. I still remember the steam engines passing so near the depot at night and the many friends I made with the crews of both the Savannah and Atlanta RR and the Georgia & Florida RR. I still have some photographs made there.

-- Donald L. Hicks, Sr. (donaldh894@aol.com), March 09, 2005.


The original general offices still stand; though they could do with rebuilding and reopening as a museum.

-- Chad Peters (critterwerks@yahoo.com), March 31, 2002.

The line from Millen to Augusta through Waynesboro was still under construction when the 1850 Census was taken that summer in Burke County. The census taker recorded the names and other information from workers on the line at a construction camp near Munnerlynn or Perkins. Almost all of the men gave their birthplace as Ireland. (They had probably migrated from there to Georgia to escape the Potato Famine of 1848.)

Jake Cook Statham, GA

-- Jake Cook (jandjcook@mindspring.com), October 02, 1999.


Tom,

The June 1958 issue of THE S&A LINE (the S&A's company magazine) included the following history (edited here for brevity.) --------- The S&A is fifty-two years of age. It was originally known as the Brinson Railway, being named after the late George M. Brinson, who began construction of the line from Savannah to Springfield, 24 miles, in 1906. It was opened for traffic in 1907. The line was extended in 1909 to Newington, 19 miles, connecting at that point with the Savannah Valley Railroad operating between Egypt and Millhaven. The portion of the Savannah Valley Railroad from Egypt to Newington was later abandoned, leaving the 28-mile stretch from Newington to Millhaven.

The year 1911 brought a further extension of 25 miles, being from Millhaven to Sardis, 7 miles, thence to Waynesboro, 18 miles. In 1913 another extension was made, from Waynesboro to St. Clair, 12 miles (the line was later changed to run through Torbit).

In 1910 Mr. James Imbrie, representing the New York banking firm of William Morris Imbrie & Co., later known as Imbrie Co., became interested in the property. In that year and in 1913 Mr. Imbrie acquired control of the Brinson Railway.

By charter dated March 25, 1914, the name of the Brinson Railway Company (the word "Company" having been added on June 2, 1910) was changed to Savannah & Northwestern Railway.

Mr. Imbrie on December 8, 1915 incorporated the Savannah & Atlanta Railway and constructed the line from St. Chair to Camak Junction, 33 miles, where a connection was made with the Georgia Railroad. Arrangements were made to operate over the tracks of the Georgia Railroad into Camak, 2.36 miles, where a connection was made with the Georgia Railroad's main line between Augusta,and Atlanta. This segment formed the connecting link between Savannah & Atlanta Railway,and the Georgia Railroad which established a through route from Savannah to Atlanta.

On July 16, 1917, the Savannah & Atlanta purchased the properties of the Savannah & Northwestern and thereafter the entire line of 141 miles was known as Savannah & Atlanta Railway.

In 1921 Imbrie & Co. went bankrupt, and because of such failure the S&A was thrown into receivership. C. E. Gay, Jr., who had been connected with the S&A since 1913 in such capacities as Traffic Manager, Vice President & General Manager,and later President, and Thomas B. Felder were appointed Receivers. Mr. Gay continued as General Manager to operate the property for the Receivers.

In 1929 Robert M. Nelson of Watch Hill, R.I. became interested in the property. Although conditions were adverse to a reorganization at that time, Mr. Nelson recognized the opportunity to make the railroad a profitable operation. On January 1, 1939 the S&A was reorganized and Mr. Gay was again made its president. He cooperated fully with Mr. Nelson in the industrial development program, in matters of finance and in general policies.

On August 22, 1951 the Central of Georgia RaiIway Company acquired ownership of the S&A for $3,500,000. The Central acquired not only the S&A's 141-mile main line from Savannah to Camak Junction, but approximately 4,000 acres of land suitable for industrial and necessary residential purposes.

Under CofGa ownership, the S&A was operated independently and under its own name, under the management of President Charles E. Gay, III.

-- Allen Tuten (ahtuten@aol.com), September 03, 1999.


Allen Tuten (ahtuten@aol.com

Thanks for your reply to my request for imformation on the S&A and G&F Railroads. The information I seek is how the S&A RR was put together? Savannah Valley Railroad, Brinson Railroad and finally how it became the Savannah & Atlanta? When it was first chartered and when it was completed to Camak? Any stories or pictures that might be available.

Georgia & Florida RR. I desire any information that you might have available.

-- Tom Reynolds (Tlazear@email.MSN.com), September 02, 1999.



Tom,

What in particular are you searching for?? Several CGRHS members have a particular interest in the S&A (and to some extent, the G&F). Are you looking for business/corporate information, operations, equipment, or some other aspect?

Allen Tuten

-- Allen Tuten (ahtuten@aol.com), August 30, 1999.


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